Pivoting off from what Chris started with the film section, here is a spot where we can chit-chat and list our favorite British television series. Ever since I was a child, I watched a ton of PBS Masterpiece Theatre shows. They even showed Dr. Who every once in a while. Obviously, there is more to British television than period pieces, so let's have a go. Needless to say, I'm going to go on a spree here.If you like, we can also get really nerdy and list our favorite SERIES from that show's run.In no order (except for the first, which I can't help but list at the top)1. I, Claudius2. I'm Alan Partridge3. Spaced4. Peep Show5. Dr. Who (reboot, and specifically the Stephen Moffat-era. I love Tennant, but the energy of Moffat's writing with Matt Smith's awesome performance just leaves me giddy. That said, I'll always have a soft spot for Tom Baker from my childhood memories.)6. Speaking of Moffat: Sherlock7. The Office8. Downton Abbey9. Black Books10. Brass Eye (specifically the Paedoggedon episode, which has to rank as one of the darkest things that I've ever laughed out loud at.)11. Monty Python. Duh.12. Being Human (First series, but the latest one wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, actually.)13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (mini-series)14. The Hour15. Big Train16. The IT Crowd17. The Thick of It.There's more but that's a good start. :)

Are You Being Served Doctor Who (not the most recent Doctor, I haven't seen but 2 or 3 of his episodes)Press Gang (that's where my Dexter Fletcher crush began)AbFabSkins (1st & 2nd series)EastEnders Hotel Babylong (continuing the Dexter Fletcher crush)Hitchhiker's Guide (original series)Agatha Christie (I think those were all on Masterpiece, right?)We had a BBC-type channel (not PBS, though) that aired all kinds of British sitcoms and programs, but then switched over to telenovenas for a few hours. It was an interesting mix.

Some good stuff listed already of which I will be repeating here. I have spent the last half hour writing down some of the tv shows I have particularly liked (and looking through my dvd collection) to get a pretty comprehensive list.Not in any order:Dramas1. Life on Mars2. Ashes to Ashes (although Life on Mars was better)3. Spooks4. Hustle5. Sherlock6. Wire in the Blood7. Waking the Dead8. Jonathan Creek9. Darling Buds of May10. A Touch of Frost11. Jeeves and Wooster12. Poirot13. Torchwood14. The Tudors (even with its historical inaccuracies)15. Pride and Prejudice16. I, Claudius17. Sharpe18. The Pillars of the Earth19. The Fades (just watching this at the moment and it's pretty good)20. Being Human21. Doctor WhoSituation/Sketch Comedies1. Porridge2. Blackadder3. Red Dwarf4. Only Fools and Horses5. Spaced6. Black Books7. Gavin and Stacey8. The Two Ronnies9. The Young Ones10. Men Behaving Badly11. Dad's Army12. Outnumbered13. Monty Python's Flying Circus14. Fawlty Towers15. Extras16. Drop th Dead Donkey17. Game On18. The Inbetweeners19. Bottom20. The League of Gentlemen21. Up Pompeii!22. Citizen Smith23. A Bit of Fry and Laurie24. Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere25. Open All Hours26. The Thin Blue LineThat's my bumper list for now.

Well, since I owe most of my love for all things British to it, my number one would be Doctor Who. Splendid chaps, all of them, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be either Jon Pertwee or Peter Davison, depending on my mood.Other British Shows I especially enjoy would include:Blake's Seven Red DwarfSpooksBlackadderFather TedMr. BeanSherlockFoyle's WarInbetweeners

How could I forget Father Ted, absolutely brilliant!I remember watching Blake's 7 as a child and haven't seen it since.Looks like Doctor Who is gaining popularity, how well received has it been in the US?Jessaminnie, the latest doctor isn't too bad once you get used to him. My favourites are the 3rd Doctor - John Pertwee, 4th Doctor - Tom Baker and 10th Doctor- David Tennant although I prefer David Tennant because I don't remember many of the episode with Tom Baker in as I was quite young at the time and John Pertwee was before my time and had to reply on re-runs. Still, great tv though.

HGTG is simply a masterpiece. It was originally a radio programme, though, not TV. You can download the radio version from audible.com and experience it all over again --without having to wait a week between episodes! There's also Stephen Fry reading the book version. I love audible.com and listen to audiobooks in my car and on my walks -- when I'm not listening to the podcast, of course!

If there's anything I love as about Britain than its history, its ale. And if there's anything I love as much about Britain as its history and its ale, its its TV comedies. Sooo, since everyone else is doing it, here's my dvd collection of awesome in no particular order:1 Father Ted, Black Books and the IT Crowd2) Spaced3) Only Fools4) Monty Python, At last the 1948 Show and Do Not Adjust Your Set5) Fawlty Towers6) Outnumbered7) The Inbetweeners8) Goodnight Sweetheart9) Porridge and Going Straight10) Red Dwarf11) Rising Damp12) Blackadder, Mr Bean and Thin Blue Line13) Yes Minister and Prime Minister14) Open All Hours15) Keeping Up Apperances16) Men Behaving Badly17) Royale Family18) The Office (does Extras count?)19) The Young Ones20) Still GameI want to mention 2 in particular. Still Game - This is Scottish and not many even in England have heard of it I think, but I would rank it as funny as Fawlty Towers or the Office. Its right up there. Watch it with the subtitles on though.Goodnight Sweetheart - my wife introduced me to this recently. Its got Nicholas Lyndhurst from Only Fools and Horses and its about a Time Traveler who goes back to WWII ere London and meets another woman! Apropos of the British History theme I'd say.Oh, and I'm a Dr. Whovian. Both original and new series. Favorite doctor is probably Tennant or maybe Troughton. Thank God BBC America has started showing the new series at the same time as they come out in the UK.

I can't believe I forgot to add Whitechapel to my list of dramas, superb viewing. I'm a fan of Rupert Penry-Jones, who was quite good in Jane Austen's Persuasion, great in the tv remake of The 39 Steps and excellent in Spooks, mentioned in my previous list.Tim, Goodnight Sweetheart is certainly deserving of some recognition. I enjoyed watching that.

I've been trying to find a way to watch Whitechapel over here. BBC America shows it but I missed it when it came on. :(

I highly recommend this Drew, I don't think you will be disappointed. I hope you get your hands on a copy.I have only seen the movie State of Play not the 2003 mini series. A colleague from work said it was definitely worth watching.....on my rental list it goes ;)

HGTG is simply a masterpiece. It was originally a radio programme, though, not TV. You can download the radio version from audible.com and experience it all over again --without having to wait a week between episodes! There's also Stephen Fry reading the book version. I love audible.com and listen to audiobooks in my car and on my walks -- when I'm not listening to the podcast, of course!

It was a very short (6 episodes) run, but it was on TV! :D We had tapes of the radio series [and all the books, of course] so I was very excited when PBS aired the mini-series. This may have also been my first try at recording something with that new VCR thing... Audible.com and I are good old friends. If my husband wasn't such a chatterbox on our commute in, I think I would still have my subscription! ;)

Wow, lots of great shows to look into. Thanks for the recommendations.In addition some I haven't seen mentioned:TWO FAT LADIESA great show. Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Patterson travel around the country on a vintage motorcycle with a sidecar, cooking amazing food in beautiful kitchens and telling tales of their sordid pasts. I read Clarissa's autobiography and she has quite a story.Also, what about the Pride and Prejudice miniseries? North and South is also good. I love broody Richard Armitage. And speaking of, the Robin Hood series is something of a guilty pleasure.Gotta love Sherlock and Dr Who!This is my first post. Glad to be here.KATE

The IT Crowd is absolutely amazing! Props to BlackAdder as well. Both hilarious.Anyone enjoy the show Merlin? That's some good British television to be had there.

Blackadder is about as good as it gets and anyone outside of the UK who doesn't know about the shenanigans of Blackadder and co. should familiarize themselves with the sheer brilliance of the show ASAP.I have just been watching Merlin (I am guessing it is the 5 series version with Antony Head as Uther) and although there is a bit cheesiness about it, it is pretty good so I am with you on that one ElyseDanae. Only seen the first series so far but I am wanting more. Just watched the episode Le Mort d'Arthur last night!!

If there's anything I love as about Britain than its history, its ale. And if there's anything I love as much about Britain as its history and its ale, its its TV comedies. Sooo, since everyone else is doing it, here's my dvd collection of awesome in no particular order:1 Father Ted, Black Books and the IT Crowd2) Spaced3) Only Fools4) Monty Python, At last the 1948 Show and Do Not Adjust Your Set5) Fawlty Towers6) Outnumbered7) The Inbetweeners8) Goodnight Sweetheart9) Porridge and Going Straight10) Red Dwarf11) Rising Damp12) Blackadder, Mr Bean and Thin Blue Line13) Yes Minister and Prime Minister14) Open All Hours15) Keeping Up Apperances16) Men Behaving Badly17) Royale Family18) The Office (does Extras count?)19) The Young Ones20) Still GameI want to mention 2 in particular. Still Game - This is Scottish and not many even in England have heard of it I think, but I would rank it as funny as Fawlty Towers or the Office. Its right up there. Watch it with the subtitles on though.Goodnight Sweetheart - my wife introduced me to this recently. Its got Nicholas Lyndhurst from Only Fools and Horses and its about a Time Traveler who goes back to WWII ere London and meets another woman! Apropos of the British History theme I'd say.Oh, and I'm a Dr. Whovian. Both original and new series. Favorite doctor is probably Tennant or maybe Troughton. Thank God BBC America has started showing the new series at the same time as they come out in the UK.

Still Game is miles funnier than Fawlty Towers or the Office. Still Game is probably the best sitcom ever!

In no particular order and probably forgetting lots:Comedy:Peep Show (best comedy series ever made?)EpisodesJeeves and WoosterHow Not to Live Your LifeSpacedThe CafeGreen WingThe OfficeSpyFresh MeatI just discovered Friday Night Dinner and watched the first two episodes. Laughed a lot, looking forward to more.Drama:Foyle's WarDownton AbbeyState of PlayLife on MarsHustleThe Tudors (I know, I know, but it was so darn watchable)Sherlock Holmes, Jeremy Brett-style. I enjoyed the Cumberbatch series too, though I thought it was terribly uneven.I watch a ton of non-fiction, so I'll just list some of my favorite presenters:David Attenborough, Alice Roberts, Brian Cox, Jim al Khalili, Howard Goodall, James Burke, James May, Ruth Goodman & team, Tony Robinson, Neil Oliver, Iain Stewart, Simon Reeve, Simon Schama, Jacob Bronowski, Kenneth Clarke...Also: The Great British Bake-Off! It's the kindest, most civilized reality show on TV.

Do you mean the latest incarnation (now cancelled series) with Jonas Armstrong? That one was ok. Merlin is better though. Filmed in the same style as Robin Hood but better with a bigger budget. Plus, the Château de Pierrefonds is an excellent backdrop for Camelot, although I'm not too sure about the choice of special effects that depict the various so-called British landscapes with mountains as big as the Alps. Really?!! Cheesy but fun ;)

I think Dr. Who is very popular in the US, although I am not a fan myself. Some of my favorites:Pie in the SkyThe Bletchley CircleCasualty 1900'sBramwellThe ParadiseLark Rise to CandlefordCranfordInspector Alleyn MysteriesAll Creatures Great and SmallThe Hetty Wainthropp MysteriesNew TricksMaigretFoyle's WarInspector MorseA Touch of FrostCampionThe Last DetectiveKingdomThe ChoirThe District Nurse (wish I could find Series 2)To The Manor BornWives and DaughtersMichael Wood's Story of EnglandTwo Fat LadiesPride and PrejudiceDownton AbbeySimon Schama's A British HistoryDavid Starkey's MonarchyAll Creatures Great and SmallGarrow's Law P. D. James/DalglieshGood NeighborsWish Me LuckLord Mountbatten, The Last ViceroyBecause we often have to purchase these series sight unseen (if not available on Netflix), I keep a list of things to consider. I'd love to hear opinions about items on this wish list:Ashes to AshesThe Young James HerriotBlitz StreetTony Robinson's Crime and PunishmentNicholas Crane's BrittaniaThe Very Best Time Team DigsThe Michael Wood BBC CollectionA History of Celtic Britain Rural Britain: A Novel ApproachTales from the Green ValleyClayhangerThe Wilde AllianceDinnerladiesHow We Built Britain

I accidentally posted this over on the Iron Lady string. ???Anyway, it's a series about WWII on the Homefront. I checked this miniseries out of the library and really liked it:Danger UXBIt's a period drama from 1979 about a WWII bomb disposal unit. The wartime London atmosphere it evokes brings an historical accuracy to the show that makes the stereotyped casting of some of the actors forgivable. (the shady Cockney, dithering Vicar, horsey country aunt. etc)

Like many, I began my English immersion in my teens with Doctor Who (Tom Baker, I was Galifreyan when Galifreyan wasn't cool), Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and the like. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Some of these may seem a bit pedestrian, but these would have to be my (more current) favorites, in no particular order:SpyQIDoc Martin Heading Out (I think Sue Perkins is so flippin' cute, every household should have one)The Palace (I really wish this one had gone on longer) same with Party AnimalsThe Story of EnglandPramface Would I Lie to You?Outnumbered Dragons' Den The VillageDownton Abbey Nigel Slater's Simple Cooking The Hairy Bikers 8 Out of 10 Cats RevWhites The IT Crowd Gavin and Stacey

I am so happy to see several mentions of “The Young Ones”! Good marks all around for “Sherlock” and “Dr. Who”, of course. I'm a mystery junkie so I'll say that I love the “Inspector Morse” spin offs, both “Inspector Lewis” and “Endeavor”. I recommended “Keeping Up Appearances” to my mother last year and we spent much of Christmas binge-watching. She was quite literally in tears after just one episode. ;DThank you for all of the great recommendations!

Late to the game, and I'm old, so “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” is what hooked me on British history as a kid. And I can't believe no one mentioned Ab Fab (Absolutely Fabulous)! Currently, I'm loving “Luther”.

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Listener Reviews

Awesome Podcast. Informative, funny and told with flair! How can you fault a history podcaster who admits to enjoying Supernatural and thinks Point Break is a modern classic (I’m paraphrasing... but it is). Clearly Jamie’s a bloke with extremely great taste and a lot of intelligence and his Podcast (produced with the excellent co-producer Zee) is first rate! I binged the first two years of podcasts and now I impatiently await each new instalment and listen on the app. Love that there’s an app!I love the attention to the normal, the everyday, the lives and cultures that existed alongside the “great men” of history.But by far the best bit is the attention women get. “50% of your ancestors were women, aren’t you curious about them?” Yes I bloody well am and Jamie makes sure they aren’t edited out of his retelling for which I salute him and his co-producer. About time women took their place, not in a separate Podcast but alongside the boys... where they’ve always been.Keep it up Jamie & Zee, you are awesome.

Anna-Belle Elizabeth Cao

11/08/2017

This is the only podcast I'm consistent about and for good reason. I love history, and this is good for anyone interested in that, or just wants to hear a good story (because the host is fantastic on that as well).

Louis Callahan

4/01/2017

I have been a member from the start. I knew that there were a lot of gaps in my understanding of British History and wanted to learn more than just Romans. . .blah blah blah. . .William the Conquerer. . blah. . .Wars of the Roses. . .Tudors. . .Cromwell. . . Little did I know just how wide the gaps were! The presentation is light-hearted, but based on incredibly detailed research, and Jamie freely (often) admits when there is no information. He also covers far more than battles and dates, doing his best to give a feeling for culture and society. Definitely worth the time.

Casey Talk

1/04/2017

Just started this a couple weeks ago and just got on the Scotcast portion. Love it!

Jeff Sullivan

12/11/2017

Plenty of detail. Great conversational format. Personable host who is honest about his sources and is sure to always point out when information is spotty or unreliable (which is often the case during the periods before Rome through the early Anglo-Saxon era.) Two thumbs up. I decided to start at the beginning and am currently in the time of Penda. Can't wait to get caught up.

Douglas Mead

3/08/2017

Getting into the weeds of British history, Jamie delves deep into original sources and secondary ones. In the end his history is truly a story- never boring, always well thought out and fascinating. History the way it should always be taught.

Georgia Urbano Raysman

11/21/2017

So entertaining, informative, fun/funny. The way history should be shared.

Julie Howell

3/11/2018

One of the most comprehensive British history podcast out there. Well-researched yet unpretentious, this is the cream of the crop. If you like history, you have to listen to this podcast.

Stephanie Noël

2/07/2018

Great podcast very interesting and well presented. Enjoy listening and I find it very relaxing.

Ed Henry

10/08/2017

What a great podcast! Even though the Donald Trump references are making me sick to my stomach. I still have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this

Joel Sullivan

3/30/2017

The best thing about the BHP is the attention to social context. It's great to learn about history from the perspective of the little guy too, not just the dates, place names, and rulers.

Alida Wilson

3/24/2017

This podcast is the very best part of my commute. Thanks for making my life great!

Stacey Walsh

1/12/2018

Greatest Podcast in Existence.Addicting and very well presented.I LOVE this subject,considering my heritage and lineage.

Travis Moody

9/17/2017

It's post-grad level historical analysis presented in a series of rivetting stories. Listen and learn without even realising you're learning. It's a joyous experience.

Richard Lyle

1/05/2018

This is the best podcast I've ever listened too. Still catching up. Only shortly past episode 100. Just took my first quiz. Plus! I'm also a Portlander, so i get all the references!

Craigliam Zimmerman

12/05/2017

Started by listening to some of the most recent ones a couple of weeks ago, and enjoyed it so much I’ve started from episode 1.I’m now on episode 30 and yesterday morning just as I was leaving Newcastle to travel to Warrington across the A69, the episode relating to Hadrian’s wall was on. Learning about the mile castles, the military road, and construction of the the wall, and some of the theory’s and stories were super interesting.I’ll be signing up as a member, if for anything to support the great work Jamie is doing!

Adam Burbridge

12/05/2017

Seriously the best listen for British history. I just wish they came out quicker!!

Toby Barrett

7/28/2017

Great interpretive retelling of history from both a modern and historical perspective.

Gregory Becker

9/27/2017

I am such a fan of the fact that the views of the time period are used to give context to what happened. So often people try to understand history through a 21st century viewpoint and dont grasp how that completely alters how history is interpreted. Jaime does a great job not doing that.

Paul Van Dop

3/27/2017

Perfect companion to a boring data entry job.

Alexander Floyd

8/14/2017

I love this podcast. The only one so listen to regularly. Love Jamie's dedication to history and passion for it. I also love that he works to provide the history of the common people and women who are usually left out if the narrative.

Katie Rose

6/30/2017

History is exciting enough by itself, but Jamie's intelligent and humorous presentation style make the stories of our past both real and entertaining.

Keziah Gibbons

8/19/2017

Though well researched and very through in their approach to history starting from the earliest known times in Britain, Jamie and Zee are just flat out entertaining. You'll learn about Britons, Druids, North Men, Romans and much much more. I heartily recommend becoming a member. When people demonstrate this degree of both passion and craft, they deserve to be rewarded - and the members episodes range from very good to genuinely fantastic.

Dave Straße

9/03/2017

Great podcast! I️ listen to it while I’m at work. It’s great to listen to someone that has as much passion for history as I️ do. Keep up the good work!

Madison Murdoch

11/06/2017

I became friends with unferd! How awesome is that???

Nathan Eric Chambers

1/27/2018

Great podcast, massive detail and thorough research. So much work goes in I'm in awe. Also curious about what happened to the Decode the News podcast with Zee. It was great for a few episodes, very helpful in putting all that crazy stuff into context, then stopped without any explanation I can find.

Harry V Derci

5/23/2017

I've been listening for a little over three years now and I absolutely love the pace, though several people have said it is "slow". I prefer the word thorough. Beyond glimpses of history without any backstory or relevance, Jamie pieces it all together so you get a complete image of what was going on across the whole of the island and the continent, so that you can really get a sense of the significance of the ongoings. I cannot wait until we get to the Plantagenets and beyond, but I really am appreciating learning the history from the ground up.

Tiffany Christman

2/12/2018

The finest of fine grain studies into God's own isle.

Rex Keene

12/04/2017

Literally the best thing since Offa's Dyke!

Ben Gibbs

1/08/2017

Simply outstanding. The bhp re-set the bar from its first episode. It just does not, and can not get any better than this.

Nicholas Horton

2/02/2018

By far one of my most favorite history podcasts. I really appreciate the in depth look at not just historical figures and battles, but also lifestyles of various peoples. Also, a specifically anti-imperialist view is quite refreshing.

Patrick Garretson

9/28/2017

This is one of the best resources for detailed British history I have ever found, written, spoken or recorded. I look forward to each episode with glee!

Victor Hartwell

9/12/2017

I love this podcast so much! It caught my attention with the Vikings to Anglo-saxon tie in as I was finishing up watching the 4th season of Vikings (from the History Channel). Jaime has a talent for relating historical information into great story telling!

Theresa Bossenova

11/25/2017

Just recently came across this podcast and it is my new favourite! The level of detail is astounding without being overwhelming. Definitely recommend for anyone seeking to learn while being thoroughly entertained!

Katrina Helen

5/26/2017

He dives deep ,and is consistently interesting. I can't wait to see what he'll make of periods with more documentation.

Corkey Custer

8/17/2017

My friend at work showed this cast to me and i love listening to it

Chris Manley

9/14/2017

Love listening to this podcast it's super interesting and entertaining.

Sandra Medel

7/10/2017

I love this podcast! Unfortunately I cannot afford to be a member (ZAR do not stretch as far as US$) but I have listened to every single episode. I found it by accident last year and the gaps (read gaping great holes) in my knowledge of English history, which was not part of the curriculum of South African schools, has grown exponentially with each episode. I love the quirky factoids dropped here and there and the easy listening style of the podcast. The depth and breadth of the research is evident in each episode. Thank you so much for hours and hours of listening pleasure!

Tracey Wild

4/02/2017

Very entertaining and informative. I absolutely love his style of podcast. I listen daily

Wilcoxson David

2/10/2018

Really enjoying this. A different way to learn about history.�

Andrew Gedrim

11/14/2017

Take that Game of Thrones! History is better than fiction.

Phoef Sutton

5/13/2017

Absolutely perfect for keeping you feeling like a human wile slaving away at your job.

Kevin DuVall

1/11/2018

Love this pod cast. Like listening to your mate in the pub.

Derek Huyton

5/08/2017

This is the best history podcast out there. Engaging, clearly presented, and well told.

Sheldon Ball

8/03/2017

A wealth of knowledge but presented in an engaging format. I stumbled upon this Podcast and have been thankful that I did. I have learned so much about the History of Britain, as well as, my family history! This is one of my favorite shows and I love to pick random shows and listen while I garden, cook, clean or drive. We are visiting England in September for the first time and I feel a great sense of pride for the country! Keep up the fantastic job!!!!

Kat Marsh

5/28/2017

I’ve been listening for years (basically from the beginning) and find every episode just as interesting and intriguing as the last. Jamie does such a wonderful job of packing in so much detail and analysis (which I love as a detail orientated person) without it feeling too much...also it’s pretty funny and light hearted to! I finally signed up for a membership today and have been binging the members only content, which I can now say gives so much more context and detail. If you’re a history buff, I highly recommend this podcast �

Kacie Heath

1/18/2018

I binge-listen to this podcast when I cannot sleep... eventually, my brain gets so overloaded with info, that I conk out! Love it!

Brodi Tallman

1/05/2018

Just started the podcast a few weeks ago. Excellent job!

Behzad J Larry

1/14/2017

Very informative but entertaining as well! I have been listening for little over a year. Reminds me of a history teacher I had in 6th or 7th grade. An old guy that truly loved history. And knew things most didn't.

David Morris

3/07/2018

I love this way of learning history! It's like a conversation with a passionate friend. I'm only to episode 175, but I can't wait to get caught up!